The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday suggested Chinese citizens both at China and abroad to avoid cross-border movement amid the COVID-19 outbreak, asking citizens to fully assess the risks of cross-infection caused by current international travel.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200 countries and regions have reported confirmed cases worldwide, with more than two million confirmed cases outside China and more than 100,000 deaths.

In order to control the spread of the virus, many countries have taken measures to strengthen exit and entry points and enforced strict quarantine and other epidemic prevention policies. International flights have been sharply curtailed and cut off in some countries.

The foreign ministry also noted that in cases of emergency, overseas Chinese nationals may contact Chinese embassies and consulates locally for consular protection and assistance.